Author: adrian

Something that’s brought me a lot of joy these past few years is being on the podcast circuit. It’s no secret that podcasts as a medium have really taken off, and I think it’s such a great way for people to connect with like-minded communities and learn more about subjects they have a passion for.

I’ve had the pleasure of being invited to discuss a variety of topics. I’ve talked about everything from skincare tips (no shocker there!) and business advice for those in the beauty industry to my experiences with love, grief, and loss. There’s definitely something for everyone, and I hope you gain some new wisdom from things I have learned along the way in my career and life.

On My Best Skincare Advice

First up, I talk all things skin and share the wealth of knowledge I’ve accumulated over the past thirty years as an esthetician. No matter your skin type or how advanced you are when it comes to skincare, I guarantee you’ll learn something new!

Breaking Beauty (Ep. 99)

Listen to Breaking Beauty to learn:

• How to build your perfect skincare routine (after all, even the most experienced among us need to take it back to basics sometimes!) Also, Jill and Carlene, the hosts of Breaking Beauty, told me this is one of their top five most popular podcasts of all time!

Fat Mascara (Ep. 178)

Listen to Fat Mascara to learn:

• How to find a great facialist (and what questions to ask)
• How much treatments should cost
• Which at-home skincare devices are actually worth it (which you can learn more about in this blog post!)
• And much more!

The Dream Bigger Podcast

Listen to The Dream Bigger Podcast to learn:

• How to treat skin issues like blackheads, discoloration, breakouts, and milia
• Skincare myths I wish people would stop believing (hint: what I have to say about makeup will surprise you)
• What active ingredients such as retinol and acids really do
• My favorite kind of vitamin C (it’s so gentle you can use it even if you use retinol!)

Gloss Angeles

Listen to Gloss Angeles to learn:

• My advice for how to figure out your real skin type
• What to do about adult acne and blemishes (my specialty!)
• Why skin mists might be a huge no-no during your daytime routine

So This is Thirty

Listen to So This is Thirty to learn:

• How to take care of the skin around your eyes (ever wondered whether eye creams are worth it?)
• My daily skincare routine, both morning and evening
• Strategy for treating brown spots and discoloration
• My philosophy behind starting my skincare line

Drinkin Broettes (Ep. 17)

Listen to Drinkin Broettes to learn:

• Common skincare misconceptions many people still have
• Do’s and don’ts for skin over thirty (and what we can all do to help keep our skin looking youthful!)
• The different skin types as I’ve observed them in my thirty years as an esthetician (hint: it’s not normal, oily, and dry)
• The lowdown on the causes of adult acne and how to address it 

Caroline Hirons (YouTube)

Okay, so not technically a podcast, but I just had to include this one! I was lucky enough to join Caroline for a chat on her YouTube channel when I was in London last year.

Watch my video with Caroline Hirons to learn:

• The famous dermatologist who influenced my skincare philosophy
• How to correctly identify your skin type (I believe there are nine)
• Why I’m not sure how my top-selling product works
• My number one skincare myth that will probably surprise you
• How I keep my focus as a CEO (people over profits!)

On Career Advice for Estheticians

Starting a career as an esthetician is hard, and starting a business is even harder. I’ve been a business owner since the age of twenty-one and have certainly learned from both my victories and my mistakes. On these podcasts, I talk business and get down to the nitty-gritty.

The Treatment Room With Tess & Lauren (Ep. 50)

Listen to The Treatment Room to learn:

• My journey into the skincare world 
• How I became a celebrity esthetician
• How I went from a treatment room in Boston to a being  traveling esthetician for my celebrity clients (all while running a company)
• How I went about curating and developing a product line

The Beauty Biz Show with Lori Crete

Listen to The Beauty Biz Show to learn:

• Why everyone needs a mentor
• What social media can do for your business
• The personality traits of a hirable esthetician
• How blogging attracts clients and press
• Why you shouldn’t be scared to sell to clients
• Why you have to ask questions when you interview for jobs
• How to stay busy and build clientele
• When you can offer a free service

Beauty Bizz BFFs

Listen to Beauty Bizz BFFs to learn:

• Tips to attract and keep clients
• Biggest no-nos when starting a business
• Tips for aspiring entrepreneurs

On Life, Love, Loss, Grief, and Resiliency

Of course, life isn’t all skincare and business. I’ve learned some really important lessons (some harder than others) and was honored to be able to share them with a wider audience.

Grief is a Sneaky Bitch

Of all the podcasts I’ve been on, this is the one I was most nervous to record. I was apprehensive about discussing the loss of my husband, Florian, in such a public way. But in the end, it was such a cathartic experience and I’m so glad I did it.

Listen to Grief is a Sneaky Bitch to learn:

• The lessons I learned from my business partner and husband, Florian, over our twenty-two-year relationship
• The myths and the realities of accompanying someone through a cancer diagnosis 
• How I’m doing my best to blaze a shining trail as I adventure on, carrying his memory into the future (follow my tributes at #thisisflorian)

Twenty-Something Trials (Ep. 22)

Listen to Twenty-Something Trials to learn:

• How I identify my “core values”
• How I use those core values to stay on track, both in life and in business
• How I started my career
• What inspired me to move and uproot my whole life and why you should, too (hint, this Elite Daily post was life-changing for me.)

Which Podcasts Do I Personally Listen To?

I love all of the above podcasts so those are listened to regularly and here are some others:

• No Gruffs Given with Sean Avery (He was a client of mine years ago. Great guy.)
• The Beauty Brains
• Art of Manliness
• How I Built This
• Ted Radio Hour
• The Cut
• Terrible, Thanks For Asking
• Revival Cycles
• Glossy Beauty

Coming Soon…

• A few days ago, I recorded another podcast with Gloss Angeles but this time, I was a CO-HOST! I answered a ton of listener skincare questions, so it will be really informative. It will air this Tuesday, Sept. 29. Be sure to check back with this blog post for the updated link.
• Next week, I’m recording a podcast for the EO 360 podcast. I’m a member of EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) so I’ll be talking about all business and company growth. They were inspired after they read my Inc interview on why I think bigger isn’t always better, and how I like to grow my company at my own speed.

A huge thanks to each and every one of the lovely hosts who have invited me onto their podcasts or channels! I hope you enjoy learning from these as much as I enjoyed recording them.

The post Podcast Roundup—Renée’s Top Skin Tips, Business Advice, and How She Stays Resilient appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

Podcast Roundup—Renée’s Top Skin Tips, Business Advice, and How She Stays Resilient Read More

A change of season typically means a change in the way skin behaves. This can often result in any and all conditions like dryness, breakouts, and a general lackluster, pigmented appearance caused by the summer sun. Although it may seem counterintuitive, breakouts can actually increase during the fall season. Why? Increased oil flow that happens during the summer still occurs, but the cooler air also creates layers of dead skin cell buildup. This traps oil and bacteria beneath the skin’s surface, which leads to increased breakout activity. In addition, your skin may start to require more hydration.

But, here’s the thing. You don’t need to overhaul your skincare routine entirely, but you do need to make some minor adjustments to your regimen to ensure that the skin stays healthy and balanced during this seasonal change. Here’s how to transition from skincare routine from summer to fall flawlessly.

TIP #1: Change Your Cleansing Routine

During the summer months, some gel and foaming cleansers are great for deep cleaning morning and night; however, these may be a bit too much once temperatures cool and less oil is being produced—especially if you’re a skin type #7, #8 or #9 which are prone to dryness and flakiness. A good rule of thumb is to use a cleanser that is sulfate-free and barely gives a lather when it’s being used. (The smaller the bubbles, the gentler it will be.) You can also use a cleansing lotion which is cream-based. Vitamin-Infused Cleansing Emulsion is a great choice for nighttime. If you prefer a gel cleanser, Moisture Protecting Cleanser is perfectly pH-balanced. It’s a unique gel-to-milk formula that is extremely gentle.

Changing up your cleanser is always my first recommendation for modifying your routine for the cooler temperatures.

TIP #2: Boost Hydration

Many people overlook toners in their skincare regimens. If you aren’t already using one, the fall is a great time to start. The reason for this is because of the hydrating benefits that alcohol-free toners provide. Since the air is getting cooler but not yet very dry, it’s the perfect way to infuse water into the skin. Wipe an alcohol-free toner over the skin after cleansing. Immediately apply serum or moisturizer while it’s still damp to seal in the hydration and active ingredients.

Take our Skin Type Quiz to determine which toner is best suited for you.

TIP #3: Opt for a Heavier Moisturizer

A lightweight moisturizer is enough for most skin types in the summer, but when the weather begins to cool down, it is important to apply something a little heavier to prevent moisture loss. If you’re using a gel moisturizer, considering switching to a lotion like Skin Recovery Lotion. If you’re already using an oil-free lotion, consider changing to a slightly more hydrating lotion like Sheer Moisture Lotion. If you’re already using a cream, consider changing to something with a thicker consistency with ceramides or lipid-rich oils like Glow Enhancing Creme.

Another option is to use a treatment oil like Pro Remedy Oil. The benefit of using an oil is that you can simply add a few drops into the palm of your hand and pat it over your moisturizer as needed. This allows you to customize your moisturizer on days when you are feeling drier and when you’re not feeling dry, you simply don’t use it! Easy peasy. But make sure you’re using your oil correctly.

TIP #4: Protect With SPF

This may come as surprise, but fall is a season during which a tremendous amount of UV damage is incurred. We often think that when the temperatures are cooler outside, the sun isn’t as harmful, but this is false. While UVB rays (the ones responsible for suntans or sunburns) are not as strong in autumn, UVA rays (the ones that cause skin cancer and premature wrinkles) are just as strong as they are in July and August. Protection is a year-round job, so be sure to apply a sunscreen formulated for your skin type to the face, neck, and any exposed chest area.

Bottom line: Don’t let the cooler temperatures of fall make you think the sun isn’t as strong!

TIP #5: Add Retinol Back Into Your Routine

If you took a break from retinol (vitamin A) during the summer, it’s time to reincorporate it into your skincare routine. Opt for either a non-prescription retinol serum or a prescription retinoid. Either will help to dramatically reduce the appearance of brown spots caused by the summer sun, lines, and wrinkles. Hands down, retinol and prescription retinoids are the most scientifically proven ingredients for smoothing the texture of the skin and I personally use this one faithfully. Read my Beginner’s Guide to Using Retinol or Prescription Retinoids.

TIP #6: Exfoliate to Remove Unwanted Pigment From Summer

Certain skin types are prone to increased sensitivity in the summertime from heat, chlorine, and sun. These types should exfoliate minimally during this time. But come fall, exfoliation is imperative to repair and brighten the complexion and remove discoloration brought out by summer heat and sun. For silky, smooth skin, a well-formulated facial scrub or an at-home exfoliating peel like Triple Berry Smoothing Peel is a must.

But almost more importantly, is the use of a facial scrub. While exfoliating acids dissolve and digest discolored cells, it’s the lifting action of a physical facial scrub that really works the magic if your goal is to make the skin appear more even-toned. Learn all the benefits of a facial scrub.

Exfoliating is also essential for reducing breakouts, as it removes the dead skin cells that trap oil. Regular exfoliation will also remove dull, tired, dry skin and encourage fresher, plumper cells to form. This will give your skin a flawless finish. And of course, using exfoliating acid serums a few nights a week is very, very important.

TIP #7: Change the Type of Face Mask You Use

Water-based gel masks are best for hydrating the skin, so they are best for oily, breakout-prone skin types that need water but no additional oil. Also, because of their naturally cold temperatures, they’re ideal for soothing sensitive skin redness or a painful sunburn if you should happen to get one on a sunny day.

During the fall, however, consider switching to a cream mask if you experience dryness. These contain moisturizing oils that help to deeply hydrate and plump up normal to dry skin types. Pure Radiance Creme Masque is a great choice. Unlike traditional gel or clay masks, most cream masks do not need to be rinsed off after they have dried. You can simply tissue off any residue and leave the excess to give your skin a moisture boost.

TIP #8: Listen to Your Skin

Regardless of seasons, our skin, like our bodies, is constantly changing and adapting to internal and external changes. It’s important to be attentive and listen to your skin for signs that it’s not getting what it needs. Tightness, dryness, increased breakouts, and sensitivity are all signs that your current skincare routine isn’t working. A change is in order. Pay attention to what your skin is telling you. You always want to work with Mother Nature, never go against her. When skin problems arise, you must ensure that you’re using products to specifically address your skin’s needs. If necessary, take it one step further and schedule a consultation with a trusted skin-care professional. Additionally, DON’T fall for the myth that your skin can get used to products and stop working!

Seasonal changes can definitely create change in the skin. If you follow these skin tips and alter your skin-care routine, though, you can keep it looking and feeling its best.

The post 8 Tips To Update Your Skincare Routine From Summer To Fall appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

8 Tips To Update Your Skincare Routine From Summer To Fall Read More

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream appeared first on FutureDerm.

COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream Read More

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream appeared first on FutureDerm.

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Layering and mixing products, especially serums, has become a popular skincare trend lately. It’s sometimes referred to as a “cocktailing” because you combine serums or products to create a bespoke mix for your skin. At first glance, it may seem like a great idea. After all, there are so many high-performance skincare ingredients out there these days, why not add many of them together to give your skin as many benefits as possible?

While I understand the appeal of this approach, unfortunately, the reality is that you may not be maximizing the benefits of your skincare routine as much as you think. Keep reading to learn why you might want to reserve your cocktailing for a happy hour and not your skin!

What Is A Skin Serum?

A serum is a skincare product usually with a water, gel, or light lotion consistency that contains a high concentration of performance ingredients. It definitely boosts the results of your skin routine when used under a moisturizer or treatment mask. While using a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer is still the foundation of a solid routine, serums are an amazing addition.

Layering Skincare Serums

So let’s say that you have a serum with 10% Niacinimide, (a vitamin B3 ingredient), and you layer it on to the skin after cleansing and toning. Then after that, you layer on a serum that contains 15% vitamin C. Since the first serum did most of the penetration with some leftover residue still sitting on the skin’s surface, the vitamin C serum may be less effective through dilution from the previous serum since you have minimized the amount of penetration that can be delivered. This could mean that the vitamin C is now half less effective or possibly even much less.

What’s important to understand is that tempting as it may be to load up on multiple skin-improving ingredients with different products, remember that your skin can only absorb so much at once. Think of your skin as a sponge; at some point, a sponge has absorbed all it can and water starts just pouring over it. This eventually happens with your skin as well. Trust me, by using everything but the kitchen sink on your skin at once, you’ll just end up throwing your money down the drain and this is one of the main problems I see with layering serums.

What’s more, many serums include very active ingredients. When you apply too many strong ingredients to the skin at once, you run the risk of irritation which will only cause damage and undo all the good you were trying to do with your serums. 

If you do insist on layering, apply one product at a time, but make sure it’s from thinnest to thickest. It’s best to apply light, water-based products first (due to their fast penetration and smaller molecular structure), then work your way up to a heavier, lotion-based product. 

Mixing Skincare Serums

Of course, every good skincare routine consists of multiple steps and therefore multiple products. You can find countless skincare “cocktail” recipes online these days, most of which suggest actually mixing two or three different types of products together in the palm of your hand then applying that mixture to your face.  

Mixing ingredients together in your hands just isn’t going to give you the best results either because, in the case of serums, you’ll get half the results from each serum because of dilution. Again, wasting your money by not getting the fully intended results from the product. 

Let me also make this point. Not all serums are created equally. Chemically speaking, one formula may be designed to provide delivery in a certain mechanism and another product may not have the same penetration enhancers. So if you are mixing them together (and diluting them, too) you might be losing efficacy. This is not just through dilution but because you have minimized the amount of penetration that can happen on the skin which may be required, where other ingredients may be fine sitting on the skin and having more time to do their job. Ultimately, the mixed serum is confused and just doesn’t know what’s it’s supposed to do.

Lastly, if you’re mixing water-based products with oil or emollient-based products this strategy isn’t efficient either since ultimately oil and water don’t mix together easily—certainly not in the palm of your hands. 

What’s the Best Strategy for Getting a Full Spectrum of Benefits from Your Skincare Serums?

While it’s true that the best benefits come from a variety of active ingredients, here’s the best way to incorporate them successfully into your routine.

Use Your Serums in Rotation

Instead of using multiple serums at once, I’ve always promoted using serums in rotation and focusing on one specific need each night. 

I like to think of it as working out; you want a variety of different exercises on different days that all work together to give you the best end result, which in the case of physical fitness, is a fit, toned body. The same goes for your skin. It requires a variety of ingredients in order to create positive change to look and feels its best.

Here is what I suggest doing. First, use a retinol serum for two nights. It takes about 48 hours for that retinol to increase cell turnover from within and push the old skin cells to the surface. At this point, two nights later, you’ll want to use an exfoliating acid serum with lactic and glycolic acids, and maybe salicylic acid if you’re prone to clogged pores. This serum will dissolve the old, expired skin cells, even if you don’t visibly see any surface dryness. On the next night after you’ve exfoliated with the serum, I like to recommend a nourishing serum with ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, and hydrators to fortify the skin. When you use this type of product, it will work really effectively for the new, fresh cells to ensure they are getting what they need to thrive.

Of course, the serums you use will depend on your skin type and its specific needs, and you can always tailor your serums to what your skin requires at the moment. Generally, I find that focusing on one serum a night and letting it do its job is the best strategy. By rotating serums that provide specific benefits to the skin, you can truly get the best, most well-rounded results. 

Look For a Well-Formulated Serum With Many Beneficial Ingredients

I notice a lot of brands lately focusing on a single “hero” ingredient, then including that ingredient in a serum at a high percentage. We’re wired to think that the more of something we’re getting, the better it will be. But when it comes to ingredient percentages, higher isn’t always better. I see this trend of high percentages more as a marketing push. After all, the skincare industry is so saturated that brands have to do something to set themselves apart from the crowd from a marketing perspective.

What I suggest looking for instead is a well-rounded serum that will ultimately benefit your skin in more ways than one. For example, these exfoliating acid serums include ingredients like glycerin, allantoin, and aloe to soothe and hydrate, offsetting any potentially irritating effects from the acids. This retinol serum includes anti-aging peptides to enhance the overall firming effect of the formula as well as hydrators to make it easily tolerated by sensitive skin.

A well-formulated serum will not need to be blended with other serums because it should be doing multiple things at once anyway. Note: Always use a moisturizer over a serum to lock it into the skin.

Learn more about the best order to apply your products in for the perfect morning routine and the perfect evening routine. 

Sunscreen Mixed with Other Ingredients—NOT a Match Made in Heaven

I do want to make a separate note about this because it’s so important. I’ve seen videos on Youtube of people mixing serums, moisturizers, and oils into their sunscreen before applying it. Generally speaking, you never want to mix your sunscreen with any other product because you run the risk of not getting the full SPF number listed on the bottle. Sunscreen is an FDA-approved drug and mixing other products into it is just not a good practice. Again, layering is the best approach, and a generous coat of sunscreen should be your final application in the morning.

I recommend looking for a facial sunscreen with a hydrating base, this way you can avoid layering too many heavy products underneath your SPF.

Other Ingredient Combinations

Vitamin C (unstable forms like ascorbic acid and l-ascorbic acid) + retinol = not recommended to use together. Different pH’s that can conflict with one another.

Vitamin C (unstable forms like ascorbic acid and l-ascorbic acid) + AHAs = can be used together but may cause irritation for sensitive skin types. Proceed with caution. 

Vitamin C (stable forms like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate + AHAs = can safely be used together without the risk of irritation. (But I do recommend using vitamin C in the morning and AHAs at night. Learn more about exfoliating AHAs.)

Retinol + Benzoyl Peroxide = not recommended to use together. Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes easily and since retinol does as well, it could make them both less effective.

Retinol + Retinol = not recommended to double dose. If you’re using a well-formulated retinol serum, it should engage your retinol receptors to do its job. When you layer on another retinol serum, in an effort to increase the results, you’ll wind up with unnecessary and unwanted irritation.

Bottom Line

It’s becoming a big trend to mix and layer products into a bespoke cocktail for your skin, but this isn’t the best way to maximize skin health—or your wallet. First, be mindful that your skin can only absorb so much at one time. Second, remember that mixing ingredients in your bathroom isn’t the same as mixing ingredients in a lab. (You might want to read why I’m NOT a fan of DIY at-home recipes!)  It’s important to differentiate between truth and trend and realize that layering on more products isn’t guaranteed to give your skin better results. This is why I always suggest following the manufacturer’s directions for usage. 

I hope you found this post helpful and enjoyed my take on the skincare cocktailing trend! #ObeyRenee  

The post Layering Your Serums May be Trendy, but It Won’t Give You the Best Results—Here’s What Will appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

Layering Your Serums May be Trendy, but It Won’t Give You the Best Results—Here’s What Will Read More

Personal happiness to me is…

maintaining an attitude of gratitude to ensure that I can find joy in all of the small, everyday things. It’s easy to get a surge of happiness when something big and exciting happens, but those moments are few and far between. I make a purposeful point to never take life’s little daily pleasures for granted.

Professional happiness to me is…

loving what I do, loving the people I work with, doing good work, and creating a positive impact through our company’s philanthropic arm. Additionally, my team really supports me in making sure I’m always playing to my strengths in my company. I’m free to be me!

A happy morning begins with…

no alarm and waking up when my body tells me I’m ready to start my day. Sleep is such a luxury, so I arrange my schedule to ensure I always get a full eight hours. After all, I don’t drink coffee or other caffeine, so I can’t use that as a crutch when I’m sleep deprived.

I celebrated my 51st birthday by…

making it really memorable. As so many of you know, non-milestone birthdays after the age of forty are usually uneventful, but I insist on making all of my birthdays fun and special. I’m just so grateful to be alive and well, and I believe this is always something that should be celebrated. This year, I went to Montana and Wyoming and had all sorts of fun adventures like horseback riding, flying in a helicopter for the first time, paragliding, hiking, boating, and more. It was a magical four-day trip.

The happiest part of my job is…

the gratitude I feel to be able to provide a healthy, supportive, and thriving company that my team of nineteen people is proud to work at. I’ve always said, “I work for my employees, they don’t work for me,” and I truly feel that way.

My happiest moment came earlier this year when we received a “Best Places to Work” award from the Austin Business Journal. I am so very proud! Plus, we just celebrated twenty-four years of Renée Rouleau Skin Care. Unbelievable that at age twenty-six I set out with a vision, made it happen, and am thriving more than ever all these years later. A dream come true, for sure. And I have all of you, my loyal blog readers and customers, to thank!

A fun part of my job is…

product development! It’s such a creative process, it’s like creating a piece of art. I’m knee-deep in it these days as we have five new products in the works. First up is something minty and fun, which is launching early October. It is soooooo good, I’m obsessed with it! Sign up for our emails to be notified when it launches.

How I keep my life fun is…

by using my Joy List. What’s a Joy List? After Florian passed away and I had to start a brand new life, part of my plan to find happiness again was to ensure I was keeping myself busy with new, fun, exciting adventures. I created what I call my Joy List. It’s filled with ideas of small things to do to give me daily and weekly doses of happiness. I try to do something from the list every day, and I’m constantly adding new ideas as I discover them.

Here are just a few examples of things on my Joy List:

• Go for a hike
• Get a snow cone on a hot summer day
• Go for a swim at Barton Springs (downtown Austin)
• Run around the lake
• Work out of a coffee shop for a change of scenery
• Go for a motorcycle ride with friends
• Bridge/cliff diving
• Dance in the rain
• Get a foot massage
• Put pennies on the railroad tracks
• Watch the sunrise and sunset

How I stay happy in a pandemic is…

by being at home on my patio. Just before COVID began, I had gotten all new outdoor furniture so it was perfect timing to use it during quarantine. Even on most summer days in the hot Texas heat, you can still find me working away on my laptop on my patio. Lately, it’s been a great space to have some friends over. I do enjoy entertaining and look forward to doing more of it.

When I’m feeling down I…

force myself to smile. Studies show that it boosts the mood instantly. I can attest to its magic!

My favorite mood-boosting music is…

the Rap Caviar playlist on Spotify, or the one I created for when I workout!

Something I read that was life-changing for my happiness was…

a post online called Staying Is Settling: Why You Need To Move At Least 5 Times In Your Life. It was THIS article that was the catalyst for me and Florian moving our personal life and company to Austin five years ago. Please, please read it. It’s so inspiring and might bring you a newfound happiness if you’re feeling in a rut.

With business decisions, I always focus on happiness by…

making careful decisions to ensure my company remains a great company, not a big company. I say “no” to a lot of growth opportunities because I know that bigger doesn’t always mean better. At the end of the day, my main priority is making sure my company is a happy and healthy one. I was just interviewed all about this by Inc., which you can read about here.

A book I’m reading to encourage happiness is…

How To Be Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable: 43 Weird & Wonderful Ways to Build a Strong Mindset by Ben Aldridge. It is so good for exactly where I’m at in my life. You see, Florian and I were together for twenty-two years. He was my security blanket, and I was totally in my comfort zone in life. When he was no longer by my side, it created a lot of fear and uncertainty for me. Navigating a world of unknowns alone was really, really hard. I made a point to challenge myself and this book has brought a lot of new ideas for making sure I’m challenging myself to live a life without fear. If you follow me on my personal Instagram, you’ll see I’ve been into bridge jumping and cliff jumping lately, which is super scary but oh so fun.

The four qualities that got me where I am today…

• Enthusiasm
• Intuition
• Persuasiveness (some might call me “pushy” lol)
• Resiliency

My core values are my guiding light to…

help with decision making. Especially when I first became a widow, I didn’t have a path to navigate me through the dark. I was vulnerable and didn’t have a clear head. As I do every few years, I took myself through a core value exercise to get clarity on how I would make decisions moving forward. I review these at least once a week to ensure I’m staying true to who I am.

• Bold — I can clearly identify a personal or professional goal that I’m striving to reach.I am saying yes more and in forward momentum with new challenges that allow me to learn and grow, be fearless, make new memories and get me out of my comfort zone.
• Individualism — I am fully operating in the Visionary seat in my company and playing to my strengths in all areas of my life.  I am utilizing my own unique talents that I bring to the world and not having to be someone who I’m not. I am expressing myself creatively and not caring about what anyone else thinks. I have acceptance for who I am, quirks and all.
• Inspirational  – I am using my skills, talents, knowledge and life experiences to inspire, empower and be kind to others. I am helping change lives for the better to leave an impact on the world around me.
• Joyful – I am living in a state of being comfortable, happy and healthy.I am treating my body with love through healthy habits such as regular exercise, stretching and eating well. I am surrounding myself with people who bring positivity and add value to my life. My positive energy is contagious and others get joy when they are around me.
• Freedom – I am the architect of my world and am living life through my own wishes. I am acting as an independent spirit and I value the power I get from being able to make choices, even if others don’t understand. I am free to be me.

My perfect day ends with…

a slight buzz from cocktails after a night connecting with important people in my life. Washing my face, doing my nighttime skincare routine followed by hanging my head upside down for three minutes. Then, off for a good night’s sleep.

What I know for sure is…I accept that life is full of change and I trust that despite the unknowns that will always lie ahead, I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other and figure it out as I go. But in the meantime, I’m going to make damn sure that I’m in the present and enjoying today, for today is the only certainty.

The post Renée Shares How She Stays Happy appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

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If you look up the Internet, you will come across hundreds of articles on anti-ageing—and most of them are spreading big, fat lies to which many of the readers fall prey. In this article, we have taken it upon ourselves to help you identify certain anti-ageing myths which should be totally debunked.

Here is a list of 6 of them:

1. Petroleum Jelly Does Away With Wrinkles

Petroleum jelly is useful and offers many advantages, but anti-ageing properties are definitely not one of them. However, people believe in this myth so badly that almost everywhere you will find people recommending petroleum jelly.

So, go ahead, plunge your face in a bowl of petroleum jelly and you will still have those wrinkles on your face.

2. If It Works On Them, It Will Work On Me

Here we are talking about our attitude towards personal care. We are under a misconception that what works marvel tosomeone else will offer similar benefits to us. Well, hate to break it to you, but such attitude will not lead you anywhere.

The point is to understand that every skin needs different treatment—and if you blindly follow any skincare treatment without assessing your own skin, you will run into big troubles.

3. Pain Equals Work ability

If somebody tells you that skincare treatment is necessarily painful, then you must immediately dispose of what you just heard. Skin care treatment need not be painful. If you apply certain anti-ageing treatment to your skin and the treatment results in burns or stings, then it is time you realised that you are doing things the wrong way.

Any treatment which causes stinging skin or pain will aggravate ageing of the skin, and therefore, you need to consult a specialist before opting for any such treatment.

4. SPF Only On Bright, Sunny Days

Nothing could be farther from the truth. We all know the harm caused to our skin by UV Rays, and this makes it all the more important to keep SPF near. To guard your skin against dangerous UV rays, you should wear a wide range of SPF every day, even on cloudy days.

5. Ageing Is Genetic

Genes do play a role in matters concerning ageing, but there are a plethora of external factors which also accelerate the whole ageing process. For instance, pollution is the biggest factor working against the youthfulness of your skin. Similarly, UV rays are very harmful to your skin. So, you cannot absolutely blame your genes for an ageing skin.

6. Diet Has Nothing To Do With Ageing

Well, this is a big NO-NO. Diet has many implications on the rate at which our skin ages. Those who consume junk foods in greater quantities are more susceptible to theageing skin than those with a healthy diet.

The post 6 Anti-Ageing Skin Myths Exposed appeared first on Skin Care Beauty Zone.

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Between working (on work) and hustling together some exciting book launch events (which are going to kick ass and I can’t wait to tell you about them), I’m not sleeping much these days. BUT. I’ve also been working on some kick-ass blog posts about beauty oils and body care routines!  In fact, I was hoping to post them this week, but my plans were foiled. They were foiled, however, for the very best reason, and that reason is that our Korean Beauty Secrets book started shipping 3 WEEKS EARLY!

It was insane, actually, as we had absolutely no idea that was going to happen!  We found out about it when people started messaging us on Sunday to tell us their book had just arrived from Amazon. First we did a lot of squealing, and after that we panicked. The original release date was supposed be November 3rd. Coco and I have been working on a companion website, the URL of which is actually in the back of the book. But that website isn’t ready yet because we thought we had a couple more weeks to work on it! So I’ve been in a frenzy since this past Sunday, frantically trying to get the book website ready for prime time. I haven’t showered in a couple of days, I’ve been subsisting on cereal and black cherry seltzer, and sleeping for 8 hours in a row is my new life goal.  This is how the hot dogs are made, you guys!

But the good news is: books are shipping! And I finally got a couple of copies of it today, and they look really, really good! Not only is the content great, the actual production is amazing. The binding, the weight, the print quality are all absolutely gorgeous; better than we ever imagined it would be. I’m so proud of this book that I have to restrain myself from shoving it in people’s faces and saying, “Have you seen this? I wrote it. Look at it. I SAID LOOK AT IT!”

Book-Related Instagram Giveaways

We’ve got a couple of pretty exciting Instagram giveaways surrounding this book going on right now! Here are the details for both:

Giveaway #1

Club Clio USA Book Launch Countdown Instagram Giveaway Event

Club Clio has been awesomely supportive of this book launch. They are doing a whole series of giveaways leading up to November 3rd (the original book launch date), with different bloggers getting to choose the giveaway prize. Today marks the start of my Clio giveaway, and the prize I’m choosing to bestow the winner is: Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil! This is a moisturizing oil blend with fermented rice yeast, so it combines a few of my favorite things: fermentation, beauty oils, and Goodal. It’s rich but light, and perfect now that cooler, fall weather is setting in.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Entry is easy! Just complete the following 3 steps:

Step 1: Post or regram the giveaway post from my Instagram account (@skinandtonics), with hashtags #beautywolfxclubcliousa #kerryxcoco #koreanbeautysecretsbook #clubcliousa #clio10dayskbeauty
Step 2:  Follow us on Instagram: Coco is @thebeautywolf, I’m @skinandtonics, and Club Clio USA is @clubcliousa
Step 3: Tag three friends you think might enjoy this giveaway

You can enter once a day, just tag three different friends each day!

Giveaway #2

Kerry & Coco’s “Show us Your Book” Mega-Hardcore-Balls-Out K-Beauty Giveaway

Okay, you got me, I actually just made the name up for this giveaway just now. It could be a little tighter! We thought we had a couple more weeks to think of a name! Luckily, we already had the prize all ready to go. Hold on to your hats:

One lucky winner will get an insane prize package that includes the following full size products:

• Acwell Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser (a recent favorite, review forthcoming)
• S:um37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Tea Tree 90 Essence
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Vita Propolis Ampoule
• Graymelin Hyaluronic Acid 100% (Serum)
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil (This oil changed my life)
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color OR601
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color VL600

and the follow deluxe sample/travel-size products:

• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Lotion
• Goodal Moisture Barrier Cream
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil

This prize is serious. We did not want to mess around, and we hope you’re as excited about it as we are!

How to Enter:

It’s super easy! All you have to do is post a picture on your Instagram of an in-person copy (preferably your personal copy) of Korean Beauty Secrets: A Practical Guide to Cutting-Edge Skincare & Makeup. You can style the photo however you want, but it has to be a picture of the physical book or e-book (as opposed to a picture you found on the internet). For e-books, just show us a shot of the book on your e-reader! Then follow and tag @kerryandcoco, @thebeautywolf, and @skinandtonics, and add hashtag #showusyourbook.

Once you’ve done that, voila! You’re entered! We’ll be choosing a winner at random on November 15, 2015 and announcing on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This giveaway is open internationally!

If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, now is a great time to do it. It looks like it’s only ~$14 on Amazon right now, which is a fantastic deal. It will also be available from a huge number of other retailers in the U.S. and internationally on November 3rd; Amazon just happens to be the only one I know is already shipping right now.

It’s an amazing book; we’re really proud of it, and we can’t wait for all of you to read it and tell us what you think!

The post Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore appeared first on Skin & Tonics : Skincare Guides & Product Reviews.

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I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream appeared first on FutureDerm.

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Belonging to the Solanaceae family, Tomato is a tasty fruit which is said to have come from Mexico and spread across the world. It is a rich source of nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients, flavonoids, and antioxidants. While it offers a number of health benefits, it is known, particularly, for its beauty-enhancing properties. In this article, we are going to talk about the latter.

For the benefit of our readers, we have highlighted 6 major beauty benefits of tomato in the following paragraphs.

1. Treatment Of Acne

One of the major and highly persistent skin-related problems is acne. The exact source of acne is not certain, however, it is generally believed that acne results from clogging of skin pores by pollutants, oil, dirt,and impurities.

Regular consumption of tomatoes along with its application is highly effective in treating acne. Doing so will eliminate toxins from the skin, and tomatoes’ astringent abilities will absorb excess oil from the skin. Moreover, the salicylic acid found in tomatoes plays a major role in the treatment of acne due to its property to dry up acne.

2. Regulation Of Excess Oil Secretion

Tomatoes regulate the secretion of excess oil from the skin pores, and hence, are really helpful for those with oily skin. They tighten the pores, reduce oil secretion and combat blemishes and acne. Regular application of tomatoes will lighten up the skin and make it soft and supple.

3. Skin Exfoliation

It is in common knowledge that tomatoes are natural exfoliating agents, and due to their such nature, they help in the elimination of dry and dead skin cells.

In order to exfoliate skin with tomatoes, cut a piece of tomato in half and sprinkle sugar on one side. Then, gently rub it against your face and rinse it off after 10 minutes.

4. Prevention of Greying of Hair

Premature greying of hair is a huge concern, especially amongst young people. One can avoid this by eating tomatoes regularly or applying the same to the scalp.

Tomatoes comprise of essential antioxidants such as vitamin C which protect the hair from the harm caused by free radicals. Thus, your hair will grow stronger and longer, and greying will reduce with time.

5. Anti-Aging

If you wish to keep off premature aging, then you must include tomatoes in your daily diet. The various contents of tomatoes help in battling free radicals which result in oxidative harm to the skin cells—this way there are reduced fine lines, age spots, skin blemished, wrinkles and age spots.

While there is ahandful of ways of using tomatoes for this purpose, a face mask is considered the best for an anti-aging treatment. Just wear the mask on a weekly basis and you will notice the difference.

6. Treatment of Suntan

Tomatoes guard the skin against the dangerous UV rays due to the presence of antioxidants such as lycopene and Vitamin C. These anti-oxidants balance out the free radicals and prevent them from damaging the skin cells.

The post 6 Beauty Benefits Of Tomato You Should Know appeared first on Skin Care Beauty Zone.

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